To the editor:

I wanted to express my concern regarding bullying in the Lawrence school district. As the relative of young children in the district, and a friend of a parent actively dealing with bullying and her child, it has come to my attention that there is not currently an anti-bullying campaign within some schools in the district. Studies have shown the success of such campaigns in keeping these kids safe and their academics on track.

An Internet search will reveal ideas and programs for both adults and children. Anti-bullying programs have been introduced into schools, which teach children methods of how to stick together and stand up to children who are bullies and helps keep the adult involvement in the situations to a minimum. If the children cannot get the bully to stop by using techniques they have learned, they are encouraged to contact an adult. This teaches them crucial problem-solving skills for the “grown up” world.

Please talk to your children about bullying in their schools. Ask them if they see it occurring, directly or indirectly. If you discover a problem, please contact other parents, teachers and the principal and insist that your school begin a program. This can become a problem with serious consequences. Some kids may suffer from depression and low self-esteem, others may take action against themselves or others. Please help make Lawrence schools ones in which kids can focus on education, where they don’t have to worry about their own safety and well being.

Kristen Craven,

Pueblo West, Colo.